Student Association For International Affairs

July 15 coup attempt was within AKP’s knowledge: CHP head Kılıçdaroğlu

The July 2016 coup attempt occurred “within the knowledge” of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) head Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has claimed, describing the failed putsch as a “controlled coup.”

“I asked [the government]: ‘Could any coup be staged at 21.30 p.m.?’ They told me it happened at that time because ‘[the coup plot] was revealed.’ That means [the government] was aware of the coup beforehand. The testimonies of FETÖ [Fethullahist Terror Organization] members also strengthen the view that it was a ‘controlled coup,’” Kılıçdaroğlu told the editors TV stations at a breakfast meeting on April 3.

A group of FETÖ-linked military personnel, including four-star generals, attempted to seize power on the night of July 15, 2016, killing more than 250 civilians and wounding around 3,000.

CHP head Kılıçdaroğlu recalled that the government had arrested thousands of people linked to FETÖ but did not take any action against its political wing.

“It is known that there are between 120 and 180 Bylock users among the AKP leadership. These Bylock users should be revealed,” he said, referring to a special communication application used almost exclusively by FETÖ members.

“Protecting criminals is a crime. If they are protected, on what grounds are they protected? All this should be revealed. If you hide this list [of Bylock users] it means you are not fighting FETÖ. If you hide them, this suggests that July 15 was a controlled coup attempt,” Kılıçdaroğlu added.

His words came just a day after Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım denied allegations that FETÖ had a “political affiliation” within the AKP.

‘Turkey’s reputation will be zeroed’

Ahead of the upcoming April 16 referendum on shifting Turkey to an executive presidential system, Kılıçdaroğlu said he was “confident” that no votes will prevail in the polls.

“Turkey’s reputation will be zeroed if a ‘yes’ vote emerges from the ballot box. Foreign investment will not come to Turkey. A single person will have the right to declare a state of emergency. We see this. Do you think foreigners don’t see it?” he said.